Increase Sales with Product Based Classes

Every month in your Class in a Flash Demonstrator Planner, we include product suggestions and costs for Product Based versions of our Class in a Flash classes. Why do we take the time to do this extra work for you? Well, as demos we are in the business of selling stamps and stamping accessories. We know that the best way to sell products is to show the product and teach your customers how to use it. So it just makes sense to include product along with the service of teaching a class.

When you hold a product based class you will want, in most cases, to get pre-payment for the class and the product when customers RSVP for the class, that way you know how many to prepare for and how much product to order.

There are many benefits to product based classes, but the top benefits are:

    •   Increased sales both prior to the class with pre-orders and at the class. Since customers have pre-paid for the class they are more likely to make an additional purchase during the class.

    •   Increased commitment to attend a class. With prepayment you have fewer no-shows and prevent those who RSVP then don't pay when you've already done the work.

    •   Customers have the featured product in their hands after the class and are more likely to go home and use the product. Customers who are using their products are more likely to need and want more products in the future than those who don't use what they buy.

    •   Decreased cost and increased profitability for you. You can take advantage of any hostess benefits from the pre-orders when ordering supplies for the class and product for the class itself. 

    •   The less measurable, but important joyful reward. You know you have shared a great product, taught your customer how to use it and have seen their excitement and confidence at successfully creating their own work of art.

Demonstrators may hesitate to offer product based classes due to fear. Fear that their customers won't pay more, won't want what is offered, or already have the product offered. Well, like most things we train the expectations of those around us and change isn't always easy. Get excited! Offer a great class with a great product at a great price and you'll be surprised what your enthusiasm will do!

IIf a customer says they don't want the product cheerfully explain the class price includes the product and you are going to share a ton of ideas with them for using it that they are going to love. (Remember, they like what you are offering enough to want to attend the class you just need to upsell them on owning the featured product).

If a customer already has the product offered, let them substitute for another item of the same price, but don't just skip the product completely! Train your customers for product based classes by starting with a low cost product based class like the Friendly Words Wheel Class and then progress from there. Even with the Friendly Words Jumbo Wheel included the cost per person is under $11.50!

You can help sweeten the offer by highlighting a deal. Offer your customers 10% off the product, or get more people to your class by offering $5 off or a 1/2 price class for anyone that has a new friend sign-up for the class with them.

Make a change that will benefit both you and your customers, try a product based class this month. You can do it!